Anger over SIA in Birmingham

Related tags Security industry authority Security Crime

Licensees in Birmingham have reacted angrily to the launch of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence in the Midlands.Launched on July 5, the...

Licensees in Birmingham have reacted angrily to the launch of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence in the Midlands.

Launched on July 5, the licence will mean all door supervisors will undergo an identity and criminal background check and reach set levels of training in a nationally recognised qualification.

From 18 October it will be a criminal offence to work as a door supervisor in the Midlands without an SIA licence.

But there is already a highly successful door supervisor registration scheme in operation in Birmingham and pub operators are convinced the licence will push reliable door staff out of the trade.

Martin Murphy, licensee at the Sports Café in Birmingham, said: "I've got people on the door who have been doing it 20 years and they will walk because of this.

"They don't understand why they have to go through training, most of what you learn in this job comes from experience and if they're going to be putting 19 year-olds on the door it won't matter how much training they've had, they won't be good enough."

John Granston has worked on doors for 25 years and now works as executive manager at a door staff agency in Birmingham called Protect.

"They have not gone about it in the right way and not given us enough time," said Mr Granston. "We will pay the money but the fees are outrageous and the calibre of doorman they will be providing will not be up to scratch."

Police were forced to offer door supervisors and licensees a three-month grace period on the Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence when it became law in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Only 200 of the door staff in these areas had it to show police on the first day it was law and as a result police have issued a letter confirming waivers will be given up until September 4.

SIA spokesman Robert Buxton, said: "It's important people feel safe when they are out and this will help, it will benefit the industry as a whole.

"There are some good schemes but there some that aren't so good. If the staff in Birmingham are good then they won't have trouble qualifying for the new licence and will have the chance to operate elsewhere."

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